[lbo-talk] Re: Children and Socialism

Michael Dawson -PSU mdawson at pdx.edu
Fri Dec 12 15:36:43 PST 2003



> Before I comment, it would help if you could define "basic Freudian needs
betwen lovers." In a larger context, how valuable is Freud's work at this point? Does anyone take him seriously?

I take Freud seriously. Sex is charged with primal, pre-verbal feelings of belonging and connectedness. When those feelings get harmed, the individual suffers greatly. Construction, maintenance, and growth of a highly functional and happy human being take hard emotional work, and lots of learning about boundaries and respect for the equal reality of others' feelings.

As to open relationships: If you like them and find them ideal and a good framework for rearing your kids, go for it. Anything goes between adults. I personally can't imagine not feeling deeply wounded by partnerial infidelity. I also find more to gain than to lose in monogamy, both as a lover and a parent. But that's just me (and a couple billion others).



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